Buying Guide: Hands On with the New VoIP

In this buying guide we'll provide an overview of the major VoIP phone types in terms of their hardware configurations and how they differ. Plus, some specific models we like as well as some to stay away from.

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DUAL-MODE PHONES Dual phones are more expensive than USB models but are also more flexible. That's because they perform double duty, working not only as a VoIP phone but also as the plain old telephone service (POTS). If you happen to need a cordless phone, or it's time to replace the one you've got, you might consider buying a dual phone. As with most regular old cordless phones, you can also often purchase additional handsets for other parts of the house, usually for $50 to $70.

These systems allow you to keep one foot firmly entrenched in the traditional technology and at the same time embrace the (at times less reliable) future (see Expert View). Like the Logitech and Radian phones, they include a cordless handset and base station; however, in addition to a USB cable for connecting to Skype (or Windows Live Messenger or Yahoo! Messenger, among others) via your PC and broadband Internet hookup, these phones have a standard RJ11 analog phone port for your traditional landline. They also present you with dual menus and/or dedicated buttons for each type of service.

My favorites from this category, both garnering Editors' Choice ratings, are the DECT 6.0 Wireless Handset for Skype from GE ($149.99) and the aforementioned Uniden WIN1200 for Windows Live Messenger. Both have bright color screens, intuitive interfaces, and pleasing designs that shouldn't detract from your home decorall that in addition to the utility offered by their dual-mode functionality.

They are also the best bargain among the many phones we reviewed. The GE system is the only one that includes two handsets, and you can add up to four more (purchased separately, $50 street). I liked the RTX DUALphone for its good call quality and easy setup, but its list price is comparatively high, and it lacks a color screen.next: No-PC-Required Dual-Mode Phones >

Davis D. Janowski is Lead Analyst for Web Applications and Software, charged with covering the likes of Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, and millions of other Internet and Web companies. Prior to this, he served as Section Editor for Consumer Networking, GPS Products, Phones & PDAs (Mobile and VoIP); Associate Editor for Networking Infrastructure; and Associate Editor for Internet Infrastructure. Before joining PC Magazine, Janowski worked as a medical editor, covering epidemiology and infectious diseases, receiving training at the Centers for Disease Control. At one point, he acted...
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